A bottom-six center that loves to get under the opponent’s skin may be on the market this summer.
Agent Don Meehan confirmed today to News 1130 Sports in Vancouver that there have been no contract talks between his client, Max Lapierre, and the Canucks.
Lapierre is a pending unrestricted free agent. The 28-year-old is coming off a two-year deal with a cap hit of $1 million.
A veteran of 463 NHL regular-season games, Lapierre was traded to Vancouver from Anaheim in December of 2010. He was a solid contributor during the Canucks’ run to the Stanley Cup finals in 2011, even if some of his antics drew criticism.
This season, Lapierre had four goals and six assists in 48 games.
It’s not clear if the Canucks have any interest in re-signing the Montreal native. General manager Mike Gillis has said he wants his roster to get bigger and younger, and that may not leave a spot for Lapierre.
Brendan Gaunce -- the 26th overall pick in last year’s draft -- is one big, young center the Canucks would like to see in the NHL next season.